A surprising twist came in India's batting order during their T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Ireland on June 5. The usual opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal was surprisingly absent, causing a stir among fans and commentators. Instead, India opted for a change at the top, with the experienced Virat Kohli partnering Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli's promotion to the opening spot had many expecting Suryakumar Yadav to follow at number three. However, Rishabh Pant emerged as the surprise choice for the crucial number three position. And what an impact he made. Pant's knock sealed the victory for India, leaving everyone impressed. Following the match, India's batting coach, Vikram Rathour, offered some insight into the decision. He hinted that Pant might continue batting at number three, suggesting it provides a valuable left-right batting combination that could be beneficial for India's T20 World Cup campaign.
"Yes, he has been batting really well. The two games he has played, he has looked really, really good. So yes, at the moment he is our number three, and it helps that he is the left-hander," Rathour said in the post-match press conference.
Pant's return to international cricket was a welcome sight after his harrowing accident. Though the unfamiliar bounce of the pitch in the World Cup opener presented some initial challenges, even leaving him bruised on his arm, he ultimately thrived at the crease.
The 26-year-old southpaw remained unbeaten, scoring a vital 36 off just 26 deliveries. His knock included three boundaries and a pair of towering sixes, showcasing his power and skill. One of his sixes, a signature reverse scoop, left everyone in awe as he effortlessly dispatched a yorker over the wicketkeeper's head.
Pant's brilliance ensured a comfortable victory for India, chasing down a meager target of 97 runs with over seven overs remaining. After securing an emphatic 8-wicket win, India now sets their sights on their arch-rivals, Pakistan, in their next match on Sunday.
Coach Rathour acknowledged the significant role the toss played in this match, given the specific conditions at the Nassau International Cricket Stadium. He highlighted that even if India had won the toss and chosen to bat first, they would have still faced the challenges presented by the pitch.
“I think the toss is crucial in conditions like these but fortunately, we won the toss today so it was a great start, but you can’t again control that. So even if we lose the toss and we have to bat first, we still need to find ways to deal with the situation and the pitch,” Rathore stated.
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